KSTP AM & FM
KSTP-AM began broadcasting in 1925, and has been a significant presence in Minnesota radio history. Initially affiliated with the NBC Red Network, it offered a variety of dramas, comedies, news, and sports. In the 1970s, the station shifted to a Top 40 format, branding itself as "15 KSTP, The Music Station," and later transitioned to adult contemporary and talk formats with personalities including Steve Cannon. In 2010, KSTP-AM adopted an all-sports format, becoming an ESPN Radio affiliate. In 2019, it rebranded as "SKOR North," emphasizing local sports content and digital platforms, while continuing to air ESPN programming during certain time slots.
KSTP-FM launched in 1965 initially simulcasting its AM counterpart before adopting a beautiful music format in the late 1960s. In 1975, it transitioned to adult contemporary format, branding itself as "KS95" with personalities including Chuck Knapp, Michael J. Douglas, Dan Donovan and more. By 1991, the station had evolved into a hot adult contemporary format, which it continues to maintain. KS95 is known for its engaging on-air personalities and community involvement. The station has received numerous accolades, including multiple Marconi and Crystal Awards from the National Association of Broadcasters, recognizing its excellence in broadcasting and community service.
KSTP-AM and KSTP-FM operate from studios on University Avenue, straddling the border between St. Paul and Minneapolis.
KSTP-AM AIRCHECKS
2/4/1931: KSTP-AM (1460 kHz) - Wendell Hall, The Pineapple Picador. NBC Blue network. This is the oldest known surviving broadcast recording that aired on KSTP-AM. Sponsored by: Libby's Pineapple ("Hawaiian Sea Beads Necklace" premium). "The Red Headed Music Maker" presents a program of ballads written by himself. The broadcast originates from Chicago and was heard twice a week on KSTP. (provided by Todd Kosovich)
1/27/1940: 1940 St. Paul Winter Carnival broadcast that also aired on NBC Radio Red Network. (provided by Kyle Shiely)
Graham McNamee describes St. Paul Winter Carnival Parade as it passes through the St. Paul Auditorium. 1940's King Boreas VI Joseph Shiely is interviewed by McNamee. They tell the story of the King of the North Wind. KSTP house orchestra, chorus and singers and a male chorus from Fargo-Moorehead also is heard.The actual name of the event in 1940 was the "Saint Paul Winter Sports Carnival."
Graham McNamee was a pioneering American radio and television announcer, best known as NBC’s leading sports and special-events broadcaster of the 1920s–1930s.
1942-1955
A collection of recordings/airchecks of Bee Baxter (Beatrice Meyer) from 1942-1955 submitted by her son Roger Meyer. These recordings contain program content from two periods of radio broadcasts on KSTP AM (1500) Minneapolis/St. Paul and KSOO-AM (1140) Sioux Falls, SD. Her KSTP program titles were "The Household Forum" and the "Saturday Smorgasbord." During her seven years in Sioux Falls, her program was called "The Bee Baxter Program." Broadcasts in the Twin Cities took place from the KSTP studios, while Baxter's half hour broadcasts at KSOO emanated from her home address kitchen via a dedicated phone line hookup. Read more about Bee Baxter here (you can also read expanded descriptions of the airchecks at the bottom of the Bee Baxter page). Some of the recordings, such as the KSTP 1955 aircheck, also include commercials.
KSTP-AM - Announcement of the birth of Bee's twins recorded from KSTP broadcast at the beginning of "The Household Forum" - March 12, 1942.
KSTP-AM - Private send-off production with Jimmy Valentine, Leonard Leigh, Cal Karnstedt and others in a specially written script written by those announcers. This "live but private production" was never broadcast and makes its first public appearance here. The script contains many insider references to Baxter's family and social history -- some true, and some fantasy - 1945.
KSOO-AM - Announcement by Murray Stewart of the birth of Bee's daughter, Debbie - 9/15/1948.
KSOO-AM - Thanksgiving broadcast - 1950.
KSTP-AM - Bee Baxter/Mary McLeod Bethune interview - 1954.
KSTP-AM - Bee interviews radiologist Dr. Paulson - 6/23/1954.
KSTP-AM - "Roger's Music" - Bee Baxter with her son, Roger - 1955.
6/6/1944: Brooks Henderson - A report on local reaction to D-Day broadcast nationally the evening of D-Day as part of an NBC Round-Up of reactions around the country. (provided by Todd Kosovich)
11/1/1945: "Dunking at the Card Table" with Clellan Card. Featuring a live audience, this show also includes announcer Jimmy Valentine, commercials for Master Bread and Stock Briquettes, comedy bits, live music, brief newscast and more.
1945 & 1946
KSTP-AM (1500) PROGRAMS FROM 1945 AND 1946
Transcription records provided by Bob Hupfer. Some recordings feature singing by Bob's mother, Elaine.
6/26/1945 - KSTP-AM Fort Snelling Show consisting of Q&A from WWII Generals including Eisenhower, Marshall, Arnold, Somervell, Stilwell and War Secretary Stimson. etc.
7/12/1945 - KSTP-AM This is Your Army (including music from the "Four Kings and a Queen")
1/17/1946 - KSTP-AM This is Your Army
1/19/1946 - KSTP-AM This is Your Army (including music from "The Carol Sisters")
2/2/1946 - KSTP-AM This is Your Army (final show)
Audio quality varies between the recordings.
10/24/1949: Newscast followed by "The Lighter Side of the News"
January 1952: "Meet the Press" with Harold Stassen (former Minnesota Governor) (provided by Todd Kosovich)
Mid 1960s: Vocal Jingle (provided by Mark Durenberger)
Steve Cannon - KSTP-AM airchecks from 1964-1971 (click here)
1965-1966: Paul Jay and Jane Johnston #1 - #2 Includes commercials for Anjou Pears, Minnesota Church Radio Television Committee, KSTP Bingo, Gain Belt Beer, Salem Cigarettes, St, Paul Pioneer Press, Hamm’s Beer and Downtown Minneapolis. (provided by Curt Lundgren)
11/13/1966: Charlie Bush and Stan Turner including a newscast with local and international news. (Stan Turner Archives courtesy of TCMediaNow)
11/26/1973: The Music Station Tom Jones
1973 and 1974
Machine Gun Kelly from December 1, 1973. Includes commercials for Kimball Ballroom, Super America, and Jesus Christ Superstar (movie). (provided by Danny Sigelman)
Machine Gun Kelly from February 1974 with brief segment with Charlie Bush. Includes commercials for Trollhaugen, Team Electronics, Clearasil, International World of Wheels, The Seven-Ups (film), and North Central Florists. (provided by Curt Lundgren)
Machine Gun Kelly from May 19, 1974. Includes newscast with Rod Trongard and commercials for Northwestern Bell, Gokey's, Burger King, STP, Countryside Volkswagen, and Trendar. (provided by Curt Lundgren)
Mid 1970s: The Music Station Catman (provided by Jay Philpott)
1975: The Music Station Chuck Knapp - Steve Hatley - Ed O'Brien - Cosmic Cowboy (provided by Jay Philpott)
2/12/1975
KSTP-AM (1500) - Chuck Knapp and Charlie Bush Includes commercials for Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins (movie), 13th Annual International Autorama at the St. Paul Civic Center, Ridgedale, Juicy Fruit Gum, Kava Instant Coffee, Thom McAn Shoe Store, First Bank, and Pracna on Main. (provided by Danny Sigelman)
Dec. 1976: The Music Station John Hines, Charlie Bush, Joe James, Rob Sherwood, Steve Shannon (provided by Jay Philpott)
1977: "Q Dancin' Man / The Station for You" jingle customized for KSTP (provided by Jay Philpott)
1977: The Music Station Charlie Bush, John Hines, Dr. Don, Jeff Pigeon, Steve Shannon, Big Al Davis (provided by Jay Philpott)
1977: Don Michaels (provided by Curt Lundgren)
1977: The Music Station Rob Sherwood (provided by Jay Philpott)
1977: The Music Station Dan Walker (provided by Jay Philpott)
1977
John Hines and Charlie Bush (provided by Danny Sigelman). Includes commercials for 7-UP and Brookdale Pontiac Honda.
1977: Charlie Bush composite (provided by Jay Philpott)
Dec 1977-Jan 1978: "The Music Station" airchecks with Charlie Bush, John Hines and Chuck Knapp from December 1977 to January 1978.
12/24/1977: "A Christmas Carol" Rob Sherwood as Ebenezer Scrooge, KSTP staff members in supporting roles, and narrated by Charlie Bush. (by Jay Philpott)
4/16/1978: Big Al Davis- The Music Station (provided by Al Arneson)
1979: Music format with John Hines, Charlie Bush, Len Russell, Mike McNeil, Doug Silver, Greg Austin and Jim Summers. (provided by Al Arneson)
1982: News Plus / Direct Connection Jingles - #1 - #2 - #3 - Top of Hour (provided by by David Ocar)
1/22/1982
Coverage of a major snow storm on Jan 22, 1982 with John MacDougall (provided by Michael J. Ashwood)
9/12/1983: SportsTalk with Patrick Reusse and Joe Soucheray - #1 #2 (provided by Curt Lundgren)
Includes commercials for Minolta Beta 450Z copier, MetroPhone Pocket Pager, KSTP Vikings Newsline, The Connection House Hunter, Dick Pomerantz Show, Miller Mortgage Company, C.O.M.B and Minnesota North Star Hockey on KSTP. Part 2 ends with an ABC Newscast report about the aftermath of the Soviet Union shooting down Korean Air Lines flight 007.
7/21/1986
Monday Night Sports Talk with Patrick Reusse and Joe Soucheray - #1 #2 #3 #4. Includes newscast by John MacDougall, ABC newscasts, feature on ticks by Dennis Anderson, Mike Edwards remote cut-ins from Criterion Restaurant, and commercials for Schmidt Beer, Consumer Reports, Twin Cities Chevy Dealers, State Farm Life Insurance, Leinenkugel Beer (voiced by Ray Scott), Sears, Spicer Watson and Karp Law Firm, Game Fair 1986, KITN-TV Channel 29, Mama Lou's restaurant, Harts 2 in 1 collar, and Verbal Advantage. (provided by Chuck Spear)
9/15/1986: Monday Night Sports Talk 3rd anniversary program with Patrick Reusse and Joe Soucheray including bits and more broadcasts over the previous three years. #1 #2 #3 #4
Includes ABC newscasts, weather updates by John MacDougall, Duck feature by Dennis Anderson and commercials for Leinenkugel Beer (voiced by Ray Scott), Travel Pursuit, The Map Store, Prime Computer, Whirlpool, Kenwood Isles Apartments, Schmidt Beer, SuperAmerica, Twin Cities Chevy Dealers, Campbell’s Soup, Minnesota North Stars, and Guthrie Theater production of "The Merry Wives of Windsor." (provided by Chuck Spear)
December 1989: Tuesday Night Sports Babble including Greg Harrington, Guy Green and Dan Rowles with sports personality impersonations including Lou Holtz, Jerry Burns, Kirby Puckett, Keith Jackson, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, Dick Vitale and Sid Hartman - broadcast in December 1989. (provided by Bryan Olson)
1991: Very funny and also "a little edgy" promo sampler of station personalities and programming including Don Vogel, Turi Rider, etc. (promos produced and provided by Ben Patrick Johnson)
8/28/1992: Turi Ryder - Starts with ABC and local newscasts (provided by Aircheckairwaves)
June 1993: Turi Ryder - #1 #2 #3 #4 (provided by Tom Oszman - TC Media Now)
August 1-2, 2007: 35W Bridge Collapse - 26 continuous hours of coverage (click here)
9/28/2011: John Gordon - Final minutes of last Twins game broadcast - (9/28/2011)
UNDATED: Joe Soucheray, Patrick Reusse and Impersonations by Don Vogel - Howard's New Book - Nixon in Russia
BOB YATES - BOB'S RADIO BASICS
The following are KSTP-AM airchecks of radio personality Bob Yates including Kenny Olson (who also appears in most of the recordings). Some of the recordings includes sports discussion with Patrick Reusse, newscasts with Linda Evans, ABC Radio Newscasts, and more.
- 1988 - Bob Yates
- June 28, 1989 - Bob Yates (Bob's Radio Basics)
- August 1990 - Broadcast from Minnesota State Fair (provided by Kenny Olson) (Bob makes a call to China for takeout rat food) - #1 - #2 (provided by Kenny Olson)
- November 1, 1991 (Great Halloween Storm) (by Kenny Olson)
- August 15, 1992 - #1 - #2 (provided by Kenny Olson)
- November 9, 1992 - #1 - #2 (provided by Kenny Olson)
- December 4, 1992 - #1 - #2 (provided by Kenny Olson)
- January 5, 1993 - Aircheck (provided by Kenny Olson)
DON VOGEL TRIBUTE
The Round Mound of Sound, The Swami, Howard Cosell and Willie Griffin are just some of the names that were synonymous with the very talented talk show host and leader of the Don Squad, Don Vogel. Don worked at KSTP-AM from 1984-1987 and 1992-1995. Don passed away in 1995.
1987
Don Vogel - Final show before leaving for Chicago - #1 - #2 (provided by Irwin "Irv" Schreiner) - #3 (provided by Brian Veys)
1992
Don Vogel & Tom Mischke -#1 - #2 (provided by David Ocar)
1992
Show from June 1992 #1 #2
1992
Show from 1992 #1 #2 (provided By Kenny Olson)
8/28/1992
Don Vogel (provided by Retro Radio Rangers)
June 1995
Don Vogel tribute aired shortly after his death with Bruce Gordon, David Ruth and Patrick Reusse (June 1995) - #1 #2 #3 (by Tom Oszman - TC Media Now)
1995
Best of Don Vogel - #1 - #2 (provided by Tom Oszman - TC Media Now)
Don Vogel Segments:
Bagpipe
Can I Gain Weight By Breathing
Chief of Police Scam
Dare Line
Heaven Hotline Richard Nixon
Hey Dave Cold or Cool
Howard Cosell Montage
Killing Off Characters
Larry King Hello
L-I-B-Y-A
Mr. Slob
Phantom Caller
Presidential Debate
Rules of Conduct
Swami
Vomit Vomit Vomit
Willie Sings the National Anthem
KSTP-AM PRINT MATERIALS
(Nov. 21, 1931) - PDF
KSTP-AM and Minneapolis/St. Paul 1936 Market Data Booklet - PDF File
(provided by Glenn Griffin)
KSTP-AM radio facsimile article - April 23, 1938 - PDF File (provided by Glenn Griffin)
Ad from 1938 - JPEG File
Note: KSTP switched to 1500 AM in 1941
Station Profile - 1942 - PDF
KSTP-AM (1500) "Radio News" newspaper from 1943 - PDF File
(Dec. 12, 1931) - PDF
KSTP-AM and Minneapolis/St. Paul 1937 Market Data Booklet - PDF File
(provided by Glenn Griffin)
Program Schedule - September 1-15, 1943 PDF
KSTP Radio Reporter - 7/27/1946 - PDF
KSTP-AM 1500 Talk Radio Magazine - (March 1986) PDF - (provided by David Ocar)
"Our Town" - Opening of the KSTP "Radio City" studios (3/11/1944) - PDF
(provided by Glenn Griffin)
A 1971 magazine ad promoting station personalities including Steve Cannon, Dan Hertsgaard, Charlie Bush, Bob DeHaven, etc. (3/14/1971) PDF File. (provided by Brian Carlson)
KSTP-FM AIRCHECKS
1978: Mesa Kincaid - Legal ID (provided by Jay Philpott)
1980s: Jingles "Always 95 and Sunny" (provided by David Ocar)
12/23/1980: KSTP-FM (KS95 - 94.5) - Music survey - PDF File
1982: Chuck Knapp & Michael J. Douglas (provided by Jay Philpott)
3/1/1982: Chuck Knapp and Charlie Bush
1/14/83: Dan Donovan (provided by Paul Bergly)
October 1985: Dan Donovan (provided by Jay Philpott)
8/8/1986
Pat McKeever - Includes commercials for The Connection, Canterbury Downs, United Stores., and Primary Mental Health Care. (provided by Al Arneson)
1987: Carl Lensgraf and Michael J. Douglas. Plus weather with Karen Filloon and traffic with Art Reeder - #1 - #2
Includes commercials for Winterbrook Seltzer, Lyndale Hardware, NSP, Tires Plus, Tesseract School, Twin Cities Oldsmobile Dealers, Abbott Northwestern Medformation, Dayton's semi-annual home sale, Minnesota Dairy Promotion Council/American Dairy Association and Our Own Hardware. (provided by Curt Lundgren)
1997: Mark Otto "Candid Birthday Call" - The Tattooed Kindergarten Teacher - Woman Barks For Keys
1999 and 2000
Van Patrick and Cheryl Kaye - Candid Birthday Calls from 1999:
Your Headlight Fluid is Low - Mr Belfi - The Randy Little Pirate - Horsey Sprockets
Van Patrick and Cheryl Kaye - Candid Calls from 2000:
Carl The Repairman - Complaint Department - Cable Guy
REMEMBERING LARRY "MOON" THOMPSON
Longtime afternoon KSTP-FM (KS95) host Larry “Moon” Thompson has died of multiple sclerosis at the age of 65. The following are tributes and reports on Moon's passing:
KSTP-FM (KS95) Tribute
KSTP-TV Report
WCCO-TV Report
A tribute to Moon when he retired from KS95 - October 2019 (courtesy of Jym Geraci)
REMEMBERING MICHAEL J. DOUGLAS (1947-2013)
REMEMBERING MICHAEL J. "DONUTS" DOUGLAS (Michael Wegner)
Michael W. Wegner of Osceola, also known as Michael J. ‘Donuts’ Douglas of radio fame, died suddenly on April 24, 2013 at the age of 65. He was well known as a radio personality in the Twin Cities, best known as part of the Knapp & Donuts morning show on KS95.
KDWB-AM (1971-1973)
Michael J. Douglas newscast - 6-30-1971 (provided by Curt Lundgren)
Bill Gardner & Michael J. Douglas - 1973 (provided by Jeff R. Lonto)
Bill Gardner with newscast by Michael J. Douglas - October 25, 1973 (provided by Curt Lundgren
WYOO AM/FM - U100 (1975-1976)
Jerry St. James/Michael J. Douglas - Aug. 1975 (provided by Ron Gerber)
Jerry St. James/Michael J. Douglas - 1975
Jerry St. James/Michael J Douglas - 1975
Jerry St. James/Michael J. Douglas - 1975 (provided by Ron Gerber)
Michael J. Douglas/Brother Bob - 1976 (provided by Curt Lundgren)
Michael J Douglas, Brother Bob & Chucker Morgan - 1976 (provided by Ron Gerber)
Pat McKay/Michael J. Douglas - April 1976 (provided by Ron Gerber)
Rob Sherwood/Michael J. Douglas - 1976 - #1 - #2 (provided by Ron Gerber)
Rob Sherwood/Michael J Douglas - 1976 (provided by Ron Gerber)
Rob Sherwood/Michael J. Douglas - 9/15/1976
Brother Bob Hall/Michael J Douglas - 9/15/1976
Michael J. Douglas / Chuck Knapp
KSTP-FM - KS95 (1982-1987)
Chuck Knapp & Michael J. Douglas - 1982 (provided by Jay Philpott)
Chuck Knapp and Michael J. Douglas with announcements about KS95 becoming the radio
play-by-play home of the Minnesota Vikings including an interview with Bud Grant - 1984
KLCI-FM - BOB 106 - (2013)
Tribute to Michael J. Douglas by Chuck Knapp and John Engen - April 25, 2013
KSTP-FM - KS95 - (2013)
Tribute to Michael J. Douglas - April 26, 2013 (provided by Jay Philpott)
WCCO-TV report from November 12, 2012 about Michael's battle with prostate cancer.
Michael J. Douglas Obituary
Star Tribune Story
Pioneer Press Story
Bring Me The News Story